Artist Statement
My contemporary works are visual stories. These stories can come in the form of a peaceful, rural landscape to the hustle and bustle of an urban landscape with figures. Many works of art have a story behind them that takes a form. And one of the purposes of telling stories and being creative is to enlighten viewers and listeners and to celebrate life. My work is created in the form of plein aire and studio watercolors or oils. Many of my works have been purchased by private collectors and have received awards.
Although I enjoy painting in both watercolor and oil paint, transparent watercolor is my favorite choice of medium, but it can be elusive. I plan a painting and go through the steps in my mind before I actually paint. Afterward, I will commence to break up and divide the picture plane as I draw paint and compose with watercolors. Elements of design such as line, shape, color and form are emphasized for expression. I work from direct observation as well as from a photo reference. My process includes mixing and layering the watercolor pigments, creating values, glazes and transparencies. As I work, I watch the paint as it moves, blends and creates washes sometimes unpredictably. I accept that watercolors behave that way and affect decisions I need to make during the painting process. My next step in the process is to determine what effects I wish to emphasize to bring the painting into harmony.
PRESS:
Bucks County Herald, "SFA Holiday Invitational is all about Inclusion,"
December, 2016.
The Star Ledger, In the Towns section,
Sharon Sheridan, “Peaceful Art Balances an Eventful Life,”
Thursday, October 11, 2001.
Hunterdon Review, “Ken Lockwood Gorge Inspires High Bridge Artist,”
Jon Marcin, Wednesday, September 1, 2004